[ note to self: do not use earth phrases when conversing with allura. though, the straight, no nonsense answer is endearing, as much of allura so often is. she moves on quickly and shiro is two steps behind, slow to follow because he finds himself stuck on a potent i missed you before he pulls himself back together. she’s being generous. diplomatic. it’s expected and shiro admires that about her; how she can be empathetic and forgiving, even when she has every right to take her punches.

she does manage one though. slight as it may be, shiro feels it all the same and grimaces there by himself, hunched over his device. another apology is heavy on his tongue. he isn’t certain it would improve anything though and he swallows it back as he looks for a different angle. funny: keith so often has shiro’s back. he’s not even here and yet, he’s going to save shiro in a different way.

shiro focuses on the name and runs with it, putting some levity into his voice to help dredge them up from the should haves and would haves. ]

So Keith was the giveaway. He’ll love hearing his poker face is terrible. [ one tick. oh wait. what did he just tell himself not to do? ]

Er. Poker… it’s a card game. [ that… still doesn’t explain the face comment, does it? he exhales. ] Nevermind.

[ a brief pause and then a more tentative: ] But speaking of Keith… he mentioned you might have questions. [ another beat. ] Specifically about me. [ there’s a strengthening of his voice here, conviction and determination having him sound more sure of himself. ]

I don’t want you to feel alone again. Because you’re not. I’m here for you. [ this time. always. he’s so sorry. ] So if you need to ask… it’s okay.